Altered Zones

According to a statement on the Silent Barn's Facebook page, the long-running Ridgewood, Queens DIY music venue and arts space was robbed and severely vandalized this past Saturday, in the evening. The damages are estimated at around $15,000, and arrive in the midst of what local promoter Todd P has described as a period of "new legal challenges" for the venue. Silent Barn was founded by members of the band Skeletons in 2004, and operates as a live/work space in addition to a performance venue. Read the announcement below, and stand by as we await information on how community members can lend a hand.

"This weekend has been incredibly heartbreaking for all of us at The Silent Barn. On top of many issues that we’re currently dealing with, over the weekend our house was completely ransacked.  About $15k worth of audio equipment, house projects and personal belongings are gone.  The violence to the space is almost as upsetting as the theft.  Doors were ripped off of hinges, furniture ripped to shreds, and everything in the space strewn about in a sea of debris. We’ve lost 7 years worth of accumulated equipment, tools, and artwork donated and built by individuals from every end of the scene’s spectrum, and we’re still reeling with what this means for our own lives and the future of the space. If you would like to find out what you can do, email silentbarn@gmail.com. We need your help to continue." --Emilie Friedlander, Altered Zones

UPDATE: The Silent Barn has set up a Kickstarter Page with a fundraising target of $40,000, and donations are already rolling in. Head over to contribute and learn more about the "Rebuilding The Silent Barn" project, which includes widescale renovation and security improvements, a better sound system, and a rooftop garden in addition to a recovery of stolen and damaged property.